Flow rate controller

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a flow rate controller in which a clear width ( 6 ) of a control gap ( 4 ) between a main part ( 3 ) and a control element ( 2 ), which is deformable according to the pressure in order for the flow rate through the control gap ( 4 ) to be kept constant, can be adjusted as a result of the fact that at least one supporting element that adjusts the clear width ( 6 ) of the control gap ( 4 ) is designed to be movable relative to a main part ( 3 ).

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a flow rate regulator having a disc-like,deformable regulating body which is arranged on the inflow side withrespect to a main body such that a control gap is formed between theregulating body and the main body, wherein at least one drain opening,arranged downstream of the control gap, is formed in the main body,wherein a clear width of the control gap is defined, at least duringoperation, by at least one support element.

Such flow regulators are known and are used in order to set a constantflow rate over a large pressure range.

In the process, the regulator body deforms in a pressure-dependentmanner and closes the control gap such that a constant flow rate(usually always with regard to a unit of time) is set overall over aregulating range of the pressure.

It is conventional to produce a plurality of support elements togetherwith the main body as an injection-moulding. The desired flow rate is inthis case definable by the arrangement and dimensioning of the supportelements. If the flow rate is intended to be set in a different mannerfor a flow rate regulator to be newly manufactured, the injection mouldhas to be changed.

SUMMARY

The invention is based on the object of it being possible to adapt anexisting flow rate regulator design easily to customer requirements.

In order to achieve the object, a flow rate regulator with one or moreof the features of the invention is provided. Thus, in particular, inthe case of a flow rate regulator of the type described at thebeginning, the invention provides, in order to achieve the object, thatthe at least one support element be arranged in a movable mannerrelative to the main body. Thus, the invention makes it possible tochange the position of the support elements with regard to the main bodyafter the flow rate regulator has been manufactured. This may befavourable, for example, in order to meet a new customer requirementwith regard to a flow rate to be set, or in order for it to be possibleto compensate for manufacturing tolerances. It is no longer necessary tochange the injection moulds, and so it is possible to easily,inexpensively and quickly adapt the flow rate regulator to bemanufactured.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for thesupport element to be movable relative to the main body into a positionin which the regulating body closes the drain opening. Thus, a flow rateregulator is able to be formed which realizes a stop and/or closurefunction. A flow rate of zero is thus settable in addition to theabove-described setting possibilities.

Alternatively or additionally, provision may be made for the supportelement to be movable relative to the main body into a position in whichthe regulating body bears flat against the main body. Thus, a definedfit of the regulating body is achievable. It is particularly favourablefor the regulating body to close the drain opening in the position inwhich it bears flat. Thus, a reliably closing closure function isachievable. Flat bearing can in this case be allowed by acorrespondingly formed bearing region, for example a bearing regionformed in a planar manner, on the main body.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for themain body to be formed in a substantially planar manner on an inflowside delimiting the control gap. Thus, obstacle-free flow in the controlgap is achievable on the other side of the at least one support element.This allows an even more precise definition of regulating behaviour bythe support elements.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for theregulating body to have an external contour of a circular disc. Thus,space conditions in a pipe accommodating the flow rate regulator areable to be exploited readily. Preferably, the control gap is open at theexternal contour, i.e. radially outwardly, such that water can flow inover a large opening cross section.

The regulating body may—for example in order to be fastened—have acentral opening.

Such a central opening may serve in this or in an alternativeconfiguration for the additional or exclusive inflow into the controlgap. In this case, the regulating body can also be fastened, fittedand/or sealed at its external contour.

It is particularly favourable in this case for the at least one supportelement, in particular at least all the movable support elements, to bearranged around a circumference. Thus, it is possible to form a seriesof support elements in the circumferential direction. The supportelements of the series may in this case be formed in a functionallyand/or structurally similar or even identical manner. Individualdescriptions or all descriptions of the at least one support element cantherefore apply to selected or all support elements in advantageousconfigurations.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for theregulating body to have a uniform thickness. Thus, the regulating bodyis producible from a plate material or sheet material. It is alsoadvantageous for the regulating body, in particular when it isconfigured in a rotationally symmetrical manner, to be operable in anyorientation. Thus, mounting is simplified since it is possible todispense with controlling a correct orientation of installation.

It was possible to achieve particularly good regulating behaviour with aregulating body made of an elastic material, for example of rubber. Thedisk shape has the advantage here that the regulating body can bereadily punched or cut.

In general, it can be stated that the regulating body bears on the atleast one support element at least during operation, i.e. when subjectedto pressure by a flow of water. The at least one support element thusforms a bearing point for the regulating body. In a waterless reststate, the regulating body may also be arranged such that it floats overthe at least one support element or, more generally, is spaced aparttherefrom.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for theclear width of the control gap to be variable as a result of the atleast one support element being moved. Thus, a flow rate to which theflow rate regulator limits within its working range is easily settable.A larger clear width causes a greater flow rate, while a smaller clearwidth yields a lower flow rate.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for the atleast one support element to be guided in the main body. Thus, definedmovability is achievable, this allowing easy settability of theregulating behaviour—in particular including during operation with waterflowing through.

Preferably, the at least one support element is arranged so as to bemovable transversely to an inflow side, facing the control gap, of themain body. Thus, the at least one support element can be extracted fromthe main body and moved into the latter easily in order to increase orreduce the size of the control gap, respectively.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for the atleast one support element to be formed in a peg-like manner. Thus, aslittle installation space for the at least one support element aspossible is able to be formed in the control gap and as much space forthe flow of water as possible is able to be kept free in the controlgap. Furthermore, a form of the at least one support element that iseasily manufacturable is described. A peg shape may be characterizablefor example by a constant cross section along a longitudinal extent. Thecross-sectional shape may be configured for example in a circular, oval,polygonal or star-shaped manner or as some other free form. A peg shapehaving a rounded or round cross section has the advantage that as littledisruption of flow as possible is achievable in the control gap. A pegshape with a non-round cross section can allow for example anadditional, in particular torsion proof, guidance of the supportelement.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for the atleast one support element to have a smaller diameter and a largerdiameter. It is thus possible for example for different stabilityregions to be formed, in particular in order to save material in lessstressed regions. Between the different diameters, it is possible for atransition, for example a shoulder or step or stepless transition, to beformed. In the transition, it is also possible for at least one portionwith a constant diameter to be formed, in order to form a plurality ofstability regions.

In this case, provision may be made for a guide hole, in which the atleast one support element is arranged in a movable manner, to be closedby the larger diameter in a first position of the support element and tobe at least partially freed up by the smaller diameter in a secondposition of the support element. It is advantageous here for themovability or adjustability between the at least one support element andthe main body to be usable for an auxiliary function, namely opening andclosing of the guide hole, which is configured for example as a bypass.Support elements are also usable which have more than two differentdiameters. In this case, the guide hole can be formed with a constantinside diameter or in a correspondingly stepped manner or with acorresponding transition, for example in a conical manner. In thetransition of the support element and/or of the guide hole, it is alsopossible for at least one portion with a constant diameter to be formed,for example in order to realize additional switching functions.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for the atleast one support element to be arranged at least partially in thecontrol gap. Thus, a minimum clear width of the control gap is easilydefinable and settable.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for atleast one immovable spacer, which projects into the control gap, to bearranged on the main body. It is advantageous here for a minimum clearwidth of the control gap, beneath which it is not possible to drop inany setting of the at least one support element, to be definable. Aminimum flow rate is thus definable.

In this case, provision may be made for an extent to which the at leastone spacer projects into the control gap to be less than a smallestextent to which the at least one support element projects into thecontrol gap. It has been found that, particularly where there is a largespacing between adjacent support elements, comparatively small fixedspacers contribute towards noise reduction during operation, preferablywithout any substantial change in the regulating behaviour. The at leastone spacer is thus arranged preferably between those two immediatelyadjacent support elements of a series, for example the already mentionedseries, of support elements which enclose the largest or at least acomparatively large gap between one another in the series.

In one configuration of the invention, no such spacers are provided. Ifthe movability of the at least one support element is configured suchthat the at least one support element can be removed completely from thecontrol gap, it is possible for a closure valve to be formed in that theregulating body is configured and/or arranged such that a drainopening—for example the drain opening described in more detailelsewhere—in the main body is closed or closable with the regulatingbody for example in a position in which the control gap has been reducedto zero.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for theregulating body to be fastened to a carrier element. Thus, theregulating body is able to be secured against falling out. The carrierelement also forms a further bearing point in addition to that of the atleast one support element. The position and/or design of the regulatingbody is thus definable in an even better manner with regard to the mainbody. The control gap is thus able to be formed in a defined manner.Preferably, the regulating body is fastened in a sealing manner. Thus, afree end and a fixed end of the regulating body are formed. This isfavourable for controlled behaviour of the regulating body for limitingflow rate. For example, the free end can be formed by an externalcontour—with regard to a radial direction proceeding from the carrierelement—of the regulating body.

For example, the carrier element can be formed in a rod-like manner.Thus, a carrier element with a small space requirement is provided. Itis favourable for the regulating body to be fastened centrally to thecarrier element, for example in a central opening of the regulatingbody. This allows all-side use of the regulating body for regulating, inparticular limiting, the flow rate.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for thesupport element to carry the regulating body. Thus, a position of theregulating body as a whole is variable relative to a main body. Thesupport element can thus additionally take on the functions of theabove-described carrier element in this case. It is thus possible todispense with further support elements, but—for example in order torealize different adjustment possibilities and/or adjustmentspeeds—these may be present in advantageous configurations.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for thecarrier element to be arranged in a movable manner relative to the mainbody. In this case, it is advantageous for a fastening or bearing pointof the regulating body, which is provided by the carrier element, to beadjustable relative to the main body. Thus, an additional degree offreedom is formed, with which the regulating behaviour of the flow rateregulator is able to be influenced. It is already sufficient, for alarge number of purposes, for the carrier element to be movablesynchronously with the at least one support element relative to the mainbody.

Alternatively or additionally, provision may be made for the carrierelement to be arranged in a movable manner relative to the at least onesupport element. For example, this is already achievable when thecarrier element is arranged in an immovable manner on the main body.However, it is particularly favourable for the carrier element, the mainbody and the at least one support element to be arranged in a movablemanner in each case independently of one another and in pairs withrespect to one another. This opens up a large number of settingpossibilities in order to influence the regulating behaviour and inparticular a desired flow rate.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for acoupling device to be set up to move the carrier element in the oppositedirection to the at least one support element. Thus, the support elementis for example lowerable in its middle, while it is raised at itsexternal contour, and vice versa.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for acoupling device to be set up to move the carrier element in the samedirection as the at least one support element. Thus, a set flow rate isincreasable—for example by removing the regulating body jointly from allbearing points on the main body—or reducible—for example by moving theregulating body jointly towards all bearing points on the main body.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for acoupling device, for example the abovementioned coupling device, toeffect a first adjustment rate of the at least one support element and asecond adjustment rate of the carrier element. Thus, differentadjustment rates are realizable for the support element or the supportelements, for the one part, and the carrier element, for the other part.For example, the first adjustment rate may be greater than the secondadjustment rate, in particular at least twice the second adjustmentrate, or provision may be made for the first adjustment rate to be lessthan the second adjustment rate, in particular at most half the secondadjustment rate. Thus, the particular influence on the regulating curveof a position of the regulating body on the carrier element and on theat least one support element is differently settable.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for the atleast one support element to be movable relative to the main body by wayof a drive. Thus, easy setting during operation is able to be carriedout.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for thecarrier element to be movable relative to the main body by way of a, forexample the abovementioned, drive. This opens up an additional settingpossibility.

Preferably, the drive is drivable in each case mechanically, for examplevia a spindle drive or a transmission, electrically, for example via anelectric motor, and/or thermally, for example by way of atemperature-sensitive material, the expansion and/or shape of which ishighly temperature-dependent, such as thermowax. Each drive form has itsown advantages here: for instance, a mechanically drivable drive iseasily operable manually, an electrically drivable drive is easilycontrollable remotely or in a control loop, a thermally drivable driveis controlled autonomously, in particular operable in a mannerinaccessible from outside, for example by an ambient or watertemperature.

In a structurally simple variant, the at least one support element andthe carrier element are movable by in each case one drive in the form ofa spindle drive. In this case, the spindle drives can be arrangedconcentrically with one another and/or in a parallel connection with oneanother. The parallel connection allows joint actuation in oneoperation, the concentric arrangement saves space. If the spindle drivesare configured with different gradients, for example with differentgradient steepnesses, different adjustment rates can also be easilyachieved upon joint (manual) actuation.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for the atleast one support element and/or the carrier element to be guided ontoan outflow side by the main body. Thus, a relative movement of the atleast one support element and/or of the carrier element, for the onepart, and of the main body, for the other part, relative to one anotheris able to be effected easily from the outflow side.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for thedrive to be arranged on the outflow side. Thus, unimpeded inflow of theflow of water into the control gap is achievable.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for the atleast one support element to belong to a series of support elements.There are thus a plurality of support elements which each define(different or similar) bearing points of the regulating body in order toset or define the control gap. For example, the support elements maydefine heights above the main body that are different from one another.Preferably, the series of support elements is arranged in acircumferential direction of the regulating body. Thus, different pointsof the regulating body can be supported easily on the circumferencethereof. This allows good setting of the regulating position and thus ofthe regulating behaviour of the regulating body.

In particular, provision may be made here for the series to have atleast two spacings that are different from one another between adjacentsupport elements. Thus, different regulating behaviour in differentpressure ranges is achievable. It has been found that adjacent supportelements at a large spacing from one another determine particularly theregulating behaviour at low pressures or pressure differences via theflow rate regulator, while adjacent support elements which are locatedclose together and are thus at a small spacing from one anotherprimarily define the regulating behaviour at high pressures or pressuredifferences via the flow rate regulator.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for thesupport elements of the series to be arranged in a non-uniform manner inthe circumferential direction. Thus, the entire circumference is able tobe exploited in order to set regulating behaviour in different pressureranges and thus over a large overall working range of the flow rateregulator. The spacings between adjacent support elements in this casecorrespond in each case to a partial range of the working range (largespacings to a low partial range, small spacings to a high partialrange), in which regulating behaviour is set by a part of the regulatingbody that is effective between the support elements.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for thesupport elements of the series to be coupled together so as to movesynchronously relative to the base plate. It is advantageous here for atarget flow rate to be easily variable, in particular reducible, in thatthe clear width of the control gap is reduced in size, and/orincreasable, in that the clear width is increased in size.

Alternatively or additionally, in particular when the support elementsare couplable to and uncoupled from one another, provision may be madefor the support elements of the series to be arranged so as to bemovable individually. Thus, it is possible for example for supportelements to be lowered completely, with the result that theabovementioned spacings are variable easily at least in steps. In thisway, regulating behaviour is easily variable in different pressureranges.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for a flowof water in the main body to be guided in a bend. Thus, an outlet isarrangeable at an angle to an inlet of the flow of water. In particular,provision may be made here for a drive, for example the abovementioneddrive, to be arranged in an extension of an entering arm of the bendaway from the flow of water. Thus, the drive is able to be configured soas to be actuable or accessible from the outside and/or to be usable ina manner protected from water.

The abovementioned drive may also, depending on the available space, bearranged at any desired position, wherein a preferably mechanicalcoupling can transmit an actuation or adjustment of the at least onesupport element and/or of the carrier element.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for a drainopening to be formed in the main body. Thus, the flow of water can drainaway easily. Preferably, the drain opening is arranged in the controlgap between the carrier element and the at least one support element ina direction of flow. Thus, the flow of water can flow easily through thecontrol gap and out of the latter.

In one configuration of the invention, provision may be made for themain body to be arranged in a pipe with an inside diameter adapted tothe main body. Thus, the flow rate regulator according to the inventionis able to be integrated easily into a liquid-conducting system.Preferably, the main body is arranged fixedly in the pipe, for examplesecured thereto. Thus, a support for the regulating body is able to beprovided, which is effective at least during operation.

A preferred application of the invention may in this case provide forthe use of a flow rate regulator according to the invention, inparticular as described above and/or according to one of the claimsdirected at a flow rate regulator, for setting a flow rate duringoperation. Thus, easy adaptation to a use requirement can take placeduring operation. Preferably, the abovementioned drive is, in this case,accessible or actuable for the relative movement between the at leastone support element and the main body from outside, i.e. for examplefrom outside a water-conducting or liquid-conducting system, inparticular by way of the above-described measures.

Preferably, the use provides for a mixing temperature, in particular amixing ratio, of a mixture of cold and hot water to be set, i.e. inparticular to be changed, during operation. As a result of the settableflow rate, it is in this case easily achievable for a mixing temperatureto be set independently of pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail on the basis ofexemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplaryembodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from combining thefeatures of individual dependent claims or a plurality of dependentclaims with one another and/or with individual features or a pluralityof features of the exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a flow rate regulator according to the invention with theregulating body removed, in a three-dimensional oblique view,

FIG. 2 shows the flow rate regulator according to FIG. 1 with theregulating body positioned, in a partially cut-away illustration,

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the flow rate regulatoraccording to the invention according to FIG. 2 in a first position ofthe support elements,

FIG. 4 shows the illustration in longitudinal section similar to

FIG. 3, wherein the regulating body is arranged in a second position,allowing a narrower control gap,

FIG. 5 shows a further flow rate regulator according to the invention,wherein the at least one support element and the carrier element areadjustable at different adjustment rates,

FIG. 6 shows the joint adjustment of the support elements and of thecarrier element in a further flow rate regulator according to theinvention with the regulating body removed,

FIG. 7 shows the adjustment of only the carrier element in the flow rateregulator according to FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 shows the adjustment of only the support elements in the flowrate regulator according to FIG. 6,

FIG. 9 shows a further flow rate regulator according to the invention,in which a thermodynamic drive is formed,

FIG. 10 shows a detail illustration of a longitudinal section with asupport element, formed in a stepped manner, in an open position,

FIG. 11 shows the support element from FIG. 10 in a corresponding detailillustration of a longitudinal section, wherein the support elementcloses a guide hole,

FIG. 12 shows an alternative variant to FIG. 10,

FIG. 13 shows an alternative variant to FIG. 11,

FIG. 14 shows a first regulating curve with a smaller target flow rate,

FIG. 15 shows a second regulating curve with a larger target flow rate,

FIG. 16 shows a further flow rate regulator according to the inventionwith the regulating body removed, and

FIG. 17 shows the flow rate regulator from FIG. 16 in a longitudinalsection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First of all, FIGS. 1 to 4 are described together.

A flow rate regulator provided overall with the reference numeral 1 hasa regulating body 2, which is formed in a disc-like and deformablemanner.

The flow rate regulator 1 also has a main body 3 which encloses acontrol gap 4 with the regulating body 2. To this end, the regulatingbody 2 is arranged on the inflow side with respect to the main body 3.

Formed in the main body 3 is at least one drain opening 5 which islocated downstream of the control gap 4. Water flowing in thus first ofall flows around the regulating body 2, passes into the control gap 4and drains out via the drain opening 5.

The control gap 4 has a clear width 6. This clear width 6 is definablevia at least one support element 7 during operation, i.e. already whensubjected to little pressure by the water.

In this case, the support element 7 is adjustable relative to the mainbody 3, such that the clear width 6 of the control gap 4 is variable byadjustment of the support element 7.

The main body 3 is formed in a substantially planar manner on its inflowside 8, which delimits the control gap 4. Thus, the flow of water canflow in an unimpeded manner via the inflow side 8 of the main body 3.

The regulating body 2 has a circumferential external contour 9 whichdescribes the shape of a circular disc.

It is also apparent from FIG. 2 that the regulating body 2 ismanufactured with a uniform thickness 10. The regulating body 2 is madeof rubber and is therefore elastically deformable.

In a manner which will be described in even more detail, the supportelement 7 is movable or adjustable relative to the main body 3.

As a result of this movement of the support element 7, an overhang 11 ofthe support element 7 beyond the main body 3 is variable. As a result,the regulating body 2 is lowerable or raisable via the main body 3 byway of a movement of the support element 7, with the result that thecontrol gap 4 is reduced or increased in size.

This is apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4: While FIG. 3 showsa large control gap 4, the arrangement according to FIG. 4 has a smallcontrol gap 4. In order to transfer the flow rate regulator 1 from thesituation according to FIG. 3 to the situation according to FIG. 4, theat least one support element 7 was moved into the main body 3.

This results in different regulating behaviour of the flow rateregulator 1. In the arrangement according to FIG. 3, that is to say inan arrangement with a control gap 4 with a comparatively large clearwidth 6, a comparatively large flow rate (per unit time) flows, while inan arrangement according to FIG. 4, i.e. with a control gap 4 with acomparatively small clear width 6, a small flow rate flows.

To be more precise, a pressure difference via the flow rate regulator 1has the effect, according to the general mode of action, that theregulating body 2 is deformed to a greater or lesser extent, such that,at large pressure differences, a control gap 4 forms with a clear width6 which is much more constricted, compared with the rest positions shownin FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, than is the case at smaller pressure differences.

In this way, it is possible for the set flow rates to be constant over awide pressure range.

As a result of the adjustability of the at least one support element 7with respect to the main body 2, it is now possible, given the situationaccording to FIG. 3, for the regulating curve according to FIG. 15 to beachieved, while the position according to FIG. 4 results in a regulatingcurve according to FIG. 14. Clearly discernible in each case is theworking range of the flow rate regulator, in which the regulating curveextends (approximately) horizontally and in which in each case differentflow rates are achieved.

The support element 7 is plugged through a guide hole 12 in the mainbody 3 and is guided by the guide hole 12. The orientation of the guidehole 12 results in the support element being movable transversely to themain body 3 and in particular to the inflow side 8. Thus, the supportelement 7 can be moved easily into and out of the control gap 4, whichextends approximately parallel to the inflow side 8.

In order to set the clear width 6, the support element 7 is arrangedpartially in the control gap 4 and thus forms a bearing point 13 for theregulating body 2.

The support element is formed in a peg-like manner in its portion whichis located in the control gap 4, and has a cylindrical cross section.

Additionally formed on the main body 3, on the inflow side, is at leastone spacer 15, which prevents the regulating body 2 from bearing fullyagainst the main body 3. The spacer 15 is formed with a very smallheight compared to a typical or minimum height of the support element 7,and thus forms a low bearing point 14 over the main body 3.

Also formed on the main body 3 is a carrier element 16, which likewiseprojects from the inflow side 8. The regulating body 2 is fastened hereto a free end 17 of the carrier element 16 and is placed down in asealing manner on a circumferential shoulder 18. This shoulder 18 formsa further bearing point 19 for the regulating body 2.

The carrier element 16 passes centrally through the regulating body 2,such that the regulating body 2 is arranged centrally on the carrierelement 16. To this end, a central opening 35, which receives thecarrier element 16, is formed in the regulating body 2.

The at least one support element 7 is adjustable with regard to the mainbody 3 by means of a drive 20. To this end, the drive 20 has anadjusting thread 21 which is actuable via an actuating element 22 thatis accessible from the outside.

The support element 7 is in this case guided onto the outflow side 23 bythe guide hole 12 in the main body 3. The abovementioned drive 20 isalso formed on the outflow side 23. As a result, the carrier element 16is held in the main body 3 in a rotationally fixed manner with thesupport element 7.

Thus, a rotation at the actuating element 21 forces the support element7 forward relative to the main body 3. This has the effect that theclear width 6 of the control gap 4 is increased or reduced in size,depending on the direction of rotation at the actuating element.

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention.Components and functional units that are structurally and/orfunctionally similar or identical to the preceding exemplary embodimentare denoted by the same reference signs and not described separately.The information given with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4 therefore applies,mutatis mutandis, to FIG. 5.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5 differs from the precedingexemplary embodiments by way of the configuration of the carrier element16.

The carrier element 16 is in this case movable relative to the main body3 in a manner which will be described in more detail. As a result ofadjustment of the carrier element 16, the regulating body 2 is thusremovable from or movable towards the main body 3. This has the effectthat the carrier element 16 is also adjustable with regard to the atleast one support element 7.

For adjustability, a further adjusting thread 24 is formed coaxiallywith the above-described adjusting thread 21, the carrier element 16being drivable with said further adjusting thread 24.

The two adjusting threads 21, 24 are connected by the same actuatingelement 22, with the result that a coupling device 25 is establishedbetween the movements of the support element 7 and of the carrierelement 16. Depending on the gradient and direction of rotation of theadjusting threads 21, 24, an adjusting movement in the same direction,optionally with different adjustment rates depending on the particulargradient of the adjusting threads 21, 24, or an adjusting movement inopposite directions results, in each case with a joint drive via theactuating element 22.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted, the adjusting thread 24 is finerthan the adjusting thread 21, and so a first adjustment rate of the atleast one support element 7, which results upon rotation of theactuating element 22, is greater than a second adjustment rate of thecarrier element 16, which results—in a manner transmitted by thecoupling device 25—upon the same rotation of the actuating element 22.In the present case, the first adjustment rate is even twice the secondadjustment rate.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show a further flow rate regulator 1 according to theinvention. Again, similar or identical components and functional unitsare denoted by the same reference signs and not described separatelyagain. The previous information given for FIGS. 1 to 5 thereforeapplies, mutatis mutandis, to FIGS. 6 to 8.

FIG. 6 shows the case of a common adjustment rate of the support element7 and of the carrier element 16. This results, for example, when theadjusting threads 21, 24 on the coupling device 25 have a correspondinggradient and a corresponding direction of rotation.

FIG. 7 shows the case in which only the carrier element 16 is coupled tothe actuating element 22. The support element 7 can in this case bedrivable separately or be coupled via a very fine gradient of theactuating thread 21. In the latter case, the support element 7 movesonly insignificantly.

FIG. 7 can furthermore result when the directions of rotation of theadjusting threads 21, 24 are in opposite directions. Then, the supportelement 7 is drawn into the main body 3 when the carrier element 16 ismoved out.

FIG. 8 shows the reverse case. In this case, only the support element 7is moved, while the carrier element 16 remains immovable, or the supportelement 7 is moved in the opposite direction to the carrier element 16,i.e. drawn in, when the carrier element 16 is moved out, and vice versa.

In FIGS. 6 to 8, it is also apparent that a plurality of further supportelements 26, 27, 28 are formed which form a series 29 of supportelements 7, 26, 27, 28 around the circumference of the regulating body2. The support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 are distributed in a non-uniformmanner around the circumference of the regulating body 2, such that thepairs of adjacent support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 each enclose differentspacings 30 between one another. For example, the spacing 30 between thesupport elements 7 and 26 is large, and so the regulating body 2 ispliant here. This portion therefore determines the behaviour at lowpressures. The spacing between the support elements 7 and 27 is, bycontrast, small, and so the regulating body 2 is stiff here. Therefore,this spacing determines the regulating curve at high pressures. Overall,this distribution results in a regulating curve which reaches theplateau even at comparatively low pressures.

The support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 can, as shown in FIG. 5, be coupledtogether such that they can be adjusted in the same direction and atcorresponding adjustment rates.

In further exemplary embodiments, the support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 areprovided with an individual coupling device 25, but can also be movableindividually and thus adjustable individually.

FIG. 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention.Components and functional units that are structurally and/orfunctionally similar and/or identical to the preceding exemplaryembodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and not describedseparately. The information given with respect to FIGS. 1 to 8 thereforeapplies, mutatis mutandis, to FIG. 9.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 9 differs from the precedingexemplary embodiments by way of the configuration of the drive 20.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the drive 20 is configured as athermally drivable drive 31 around which the water flowing past flowsand the extent of which in the longitudinal direction istemperature-dependent. This can be achieved for example in that thethermally drivable drive 31 is filled with a temperature-sensitive waxwhich exhibits a characteristic expansion behaviour depending on thetemperature.

In further exemplary embodiments, the drive 20 can also be configured asan electric motor or in some other way.

In any case, the drive 20 has the effect that the carrier element 16 isdisplaceable in the main body 2 jointly with the at least one supportelement 7 and in particular with all support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 thatare present. Optionally, spring elements appropriate for a returnmovement are provided, these not being illustrated further.

It is apparent from the sectional illustrations that, in the exemplaryembodiments, the carrier element 18 and the movable support elements 7,26, 27, 28 are guided through the main body 3 and pass out on an outflowside 23. The abovementioned drive 20 is likewise arranged on thisoutflow side 23 of the main body 3.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 9, the coupling device 25has the effect that the support elements 7, 26, 27, 28 (not illustrated)move synchronously with one another and with the carrier element 16.

The main body 3 is arranged in a pipe 32 which defines the externaldimensions of the flow rate regulator 1, and is connected integrally tothis pipe 32. In further exemplary embodiments, the main body 3 can beformed separately from the pipe 32. The pipe 32 can then be insertedinto a further pipe such that the main body 3 is also arranged in thisfurther pipe.

In the pipe 32, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4and according to FIG. 5, a bend 33 for the flow of water is formeddownstream of the outflow side 23, such that the flow of water canemerge at a laterally arranged outlet 34.

In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 6 to 8 and according toFIG. 9, by contrast, the flow of water passes, without a bend,rectilinearly through the flow rate regulator.

The flow rate regulator 1 can be used for example for it to be possibleto set a flow rate of a flow of water variably. This can be used forexample in order to achieve a desired mixing temperature by mixing a hotwater flow and a cold water flow, wherein the flow rate of the hot waterflow and/or of the cold water flow is settable with the flow rateregulator 1 according to the invention.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show details of a further exemplary embodiment accordingto the invention. Components and functional units that are structurallyand/or functionally similar or identical to the preceding exemplaryembodiment are denoted by the same reference signs and not describedseparately. The information given with regard to FIGS. 1 to 9 thereforeapplies, mutatis mutandis, to FIGS. 10 and 11.

It is apparent from FIG. 10 that the peg-like support element 7 is ableto be configured with two diameters, wherein the stepped guide hole 12likewise has two diameters in a corresponding manner. In the positionaccording to FIG. 10, the guide hole 12 is thus open and can serve as adrain opening 5.

In the situation according to FIG. 11, i.e. with the support element 7extracted from the main body 3, by contrast, the guide hole 12 isclosed. To this end, the larger diameter of the support element 7 iscoordinated with the smaller diameter of the guide hole 12.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an alternative to FIGS. 10 and 11. Components andfunctional units that are structurally and/or functionally similar oridentical are again denoted by the same reference signs and notdescribed separately again. The information given with regard to FIGS. 1to 11 therefore applies, mutatis mutandis, to FIGS. 12 and 13.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 12 and 13 differs from theexemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11 in that the guide hole12 is formed with a uniform diameter. The at least one support element 7is, by contrast, still formed with two diameters, wherein the largerdiameter is coordinated with the diameter of the guide hole 12. Thus, inthe situation according to FIG. 12, i.e. with the support element 7moved in, the guide hole 12 can be closed, while in FIG. 13, i.e. withthe support element 7 extracted, it is open and forms a drain opening 5.

If no further drain openings 5 are formed in the main body 3, the flowrate regulator 1 can be used as a simple shutoff valve.

If an additional drain opening 5—for example in the vicinity of thecarrier element 16—is formed, the flow rate regulator 1 can serve, inthe manner described, to regulate a constant flow rate in the workingrange. The guide holes 12 can in this case represent bypasses, in orderto achieve drainage that is increased further.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further flow rate regulator 1 according to theinvention. Again, components and functional units that are similar oridentical are denoted by the same reference signs and not describedseparately again. The previous information given with regard to FIGS. 1to 15 therefore applies, mutatis mutandis, to FIGS. 16 and 17.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 16 and 17 differs from theprevious exemplary embodiments in that the support element 7 is movableinto a position 7 shown in FIG. 17, in which the regulating body 2completely closes the drain opening 5. This is achieved in the exemplaryembodiment in that the above-described spacers 15 are dispensed with,and so the regulating body 2 bears flat against the main body 3, formedin a planar manner, in a bearing region 36. Thus, a stopping and/orclosure function is realized, which allows continuous setting of theflow rate from a value other than zero to the value of zero.

In this case, provision can be made—as shown in the example—for the atleast one support element 7 to be lowered completely into the main body3.

It is also possible, in the above-described exemplary embodiments, forthe spacers 15 to each be omitted in order to achieve a stopping and/orclosure function.

In the case of the flow rate regulator 1, it is thus proposed a clearwidth 6 of a control gap 4, which is formed between a regulating body 2and a main body 3, wherein the regulating body 2 is deformable in apressure-dependent manner in order to set a constant flow rate throughthe control gap 4, an adjustability of the clear width 6 to be set up inthat at least one support element 7, which sets the clear width 6 of thecontrol gap 4, is configured in a movable manner relative to a main body3.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1 Flow rate regulator

2 Regulating body

3 Main body

4 Control gap

5 Drain opening

6 Clear width

7 Support element

8 Inflow side

9 External contour

10 Thickness

11 Overhang

12 Guide hole

13 Bearing point

14 Bearing point

15 Spacer

16 Carrier element

17 Free end

18 Shoulder

19 Bearing point

20 Drive

21 (First) adjusting thread

22 Actuating element

23 Outflow side

24 Second adjusting thread

25 Coupling device

26 Support element

27 Support element

28 Support element

29 Series

30 Spacing

31 Thermally drivable drive

32 Pipe

33 Bend

34 Outlet

35 Central opening

36 Bearing region

1. A flow rate regulator (1), comprising: a main body (3); adisc-shaped, deformable regulating body (2) arranged on an inflow sidewith respect to the main body (3) such that a control gap (4) is formedbetween the regulating body (2) and the main body (3); at least onedrain opening (5), arranged downstream of the control gap (4), formed inthe main body (3); at least one support element (7); a clear width (6)of the control gap (4) is defined, at least during operation, by the atleast one support element (7); and the at least one support element (7)is arranged in a movable manner relative to the main body (3).
 2. Theflow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least onesupport element (7) is movable relative to the main body (3) into aposition in which the regulating body (2) at least one of closes thedrain opening (5) or bears flat against the main body (3).
 3. The flowrate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the main body (3) isformed in a substantially planar manner on an inflow side (8) delimitingthe control gap (4).
 4. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim1, wherein the regulating body (2) has at least one of an externalcontour (9) of a circular disc or a uniform thickness (10).
 5. The flowrate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of: theclear width (6) of the control gap (4) is variable via a movement of theat least one support element (7), or the at least one support element(7) is guided in the main body (3) transversely to a side, facing thecontrol gap (4), of the main body (3).
 6. The flow rate regulator (1)according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element (7) isformed peg-shaped.
 7. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1,wherein the at least one support element (7) has a smaller diameter anda larger diameter, and a guide hole (12), in which the at least onesupport element (7) is arranged in a movable manner, is closed by thelarger diameter in a first position of the support element (7) and is atleast partially freed up by the smaller diameter in a second position ofthe support element (7).
 8. The flow rate regulator (1) according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one support element (7) is arranged atleast partially in the control gap (4).
 9. The flow rate regulator (1)according to claim 1, further comprising at least one immovable spacer(15), which projects into the control gap (4), arranged on the main body(3), and an extent to which the at least one spacer (15) projects intothe control gap (4) is less than a smallest extent to which the at leastone support element (7) projects into the control gap (4).
 10. The flowrate regulator (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a carrierelement to which the regulating body (2) is fastened, and the carrierelement (16) is arranged in a movable manner relative to at least one ofthe main body (3) or the at least one support element (7).
 11. The flowrate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support element (7)carries the regulating body (2).
 12. The flow rate regulator (1)according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling device (25) set upto move the carrier element (16) in an opposite direction to or in asame direction as the at least one support element (7).
 13. The flowrate regulator (1) according to claim 12, wherein the coupling device(25) effects a first adjustment rate of the at least one support element(7) and a second adjustment rate of the carrier element (16).
 14. Theflow rate regulator (1) according to claim 10, wherein at least one ofthe at least one support element (7) or the carrier element (16) ismovable relative to the main body (3) by way of a drive (31) that is atleast one of mechanically, electrically, or thermally drivable.
 15. Theflow rate regulator (1) according to claim 14, wherein at least one ofthe at least one support element (7) or the carrier element (16) isguided onto an outflow side (8) by the main body (3), or the drive (20)is arranged on the outflow side.
 16. The flow rate regulator (1)according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element (7)comprises a series of support elements (7) that are arranged in acircumferential direction of the regulating body (2).
 17. The flow rateregulator (1) according to claim 16, wherein the support elements (7,26, 27, 28) of the series are arranged in a non-uniform manner in thecircumferential direction.
 18. The flow rate regulator (1) according toclaim 16, wherein the support elements (7, 26, 27, 28) of the series arecoupled or couplable together so as to move synchronously relative tothe base plate.
 19. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1,wherein a flow of water in the main body (3) is guided in a bend (33),and a drive for the at least one support element (7) is arranged in anextension of an entering arm of the bend (33) away from the flow ofwater.
 20. The flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1, wherein themain body (3) is arranged in a pipe (32) with an inside diameter adaptedto the main body (3).
 21. A method of controlling a flow rate,comprising: providing a flow rate regulator (1) according to claim 1;and setting at least one of a flow rate, a mixing temperature, a mixingratio, or a mixture of cold and hot water, during operation, anexternally actuable drive for the relative movement between the at leastone support element (7) and the main body (3).